NFL training camps are open, and for millions of people worldwide their fantasy football preparation has begun in earnest. Here at Sports World News we will break down all 32 NFL teams in terms of their fantasy value. Readers will find the must-own players in every format, the sleepers in specific formats, and hidden gems only necessary for those in very deep leagues.
Today's preview will be on the Houston Texans. As always, average draft position (ADP) is pulled from FantasyPros.com.
3 Sensible Replacements For Arian Foster
Must Owns
DeAndre Hopkins, WR (ADP: 36): Hopkins is a hell of a receiver, but his situation stinks. The Texans have announced Brian Hoyer will be the QB. It could be good in the short term, but there’s no upside to him. In turn, that limits Hopkins’ upside. He’s the 14th receiver off the board, and that’s just about right.
Arian Foster, RB (ADP: 64): Foster was a Round 1 running back before tearing his groin. He’s expected to miss at least eight weeks, and yet he’s still worth gambling on, even if this ADP is too high. When he returns, he should be excellent. On a per game basis last season, Foster was as good as ever.
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Alfred Blue, RB (ADP: 96): Blue is expected to be the man filling in for Foster while he heals up. Starting running backs don’t usually go this late, but starting running backs aren’t often as bad as Blue was in 2014 -- 3.1 yards per carry is terrible, and there’s a heated competition for the job. If Blue gets the gig, expect him to outperform this ADP. It’s a big IF.
Defense/Special Teams (ADP: 79): J.J. Watt may go down as the greatest defensive player ever when he is done. If Jadeveon Clowney is fully healthy this year, he is expected to approach Watt’s impact. The rest of the defense is solid to great. This is my personal No. 1 D/ST. I do not advocate reaching for defenses, but in this case an exception may be made.
Sleepers (Best Format)
Jaelen Strong, WR, Standard (ADP: 203) Strong is having a tough camp, as he’s battling drops. He’s a big, fast receiver, so if he can hang on to the ball, the No. 2 WR spot should be his.
Deep Finds (Best Format)
Cecil Shorts III, WR, PPR (ADP: 236): Shorts was a target hound in Jacksonville, and with Strong dropping the ball a ton this preseason, Shorts is a sneaky bet to start across from Hopkins.
Chris Polk, RB, Standard (ADP: 238): Don’t be shocked if Polk overtakes Blue and begins the year as Houston’s starting RB. He’s a touchdown fiend—how does seven touchdowns in 57 career carries sound?
Nate Washington, WR, PPR (ADP: 335): If Shorts doesn’t get the No. 2 WR gig, it could be Washington. Like Shorts, he’s a veteran with a low ceiling, but a known, acceptable floor.
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